Related Terms
Efficacy, efficiency, and effectivity are terms that can, in some cases, be interchangeable with the term effectiveness. The word effective is sometimes used in a quantitative way, "being very effective or not very effective". However, neither effectiveness, nor effectively, inform about the direction (positive or negative) and the comparison to a standard of the given effect. Efficacy, on the other hand, is the extent to which a desired affect is achieved; the ability to produce a desired amount of the desired effect, or the success in achieving a given goal. Contrary to the term efficiency, the focus of efficacy is the achievement as such, not the resources spent in achieving the desired effect. Therefore, what is effective is not necessarily efficacious, and what is efficacious is not necessarily efficient.
Other synonyms for effectiveness include: clout, capability, success, weight, performance. Antonyms for effectiveness include: uselessness, ineffectiveness.
Another source of confusion regarding the term effectiveness is its relationship with the term affectiveness. Due to the similarity in the way these two words are spelled, they are often confused with each other and used incorrectly. The term affectiveness (noun) is derived from the root word affective (adjective) meaning concerned with arousing emotions or affection or relating to moods, attitudes or feelings. In a simple word effective means output and efficiency means outcome.
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